Maine implemented its guaranteed issue policy in 1993, and is one of only five states that currently requires community rating in the individual market. Under community rating, insurers charge all people covered by the same type of health insurance policy the same premium without regard to age, gender, health status, occupation, or other factors.

However, under the new bill, insurers would be allowed to determine premiums based on the health status of its policy-holders. The bill would also establish a State High Risk Pool for individuals with pre-existing conditions.

According to Rep. Jonathan McKane:

"Younger, healthier people, they just can't afford those high rates, and so they drop out of the market, which concentrates the pool into older, sicker people; meaning that the insurers have to pay out more in claims which raises rates yet again and puts us into this insurance rate death spiral that we're in... We need to get the younger, healthier people in the market, paying the premiums but not making the claims."

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Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is general in nature and does not apply to any specific U.S. state except where noted. Health insurance regulations differ in each state. See a licensed agent for detailed information on your state. PeopleKeep, Inc., does not sell health insurance.